Portable shelter&#39;s modular shell including displaceable/connectable walls

ABSTRACT

An outer shell for a portable shelter that has displaceable/connectable characteristics are the major benefits. Ideally, all four of the shell&#39;s walls may be displaced. When applied to all four sides, a shelter utilizing this shell would be modular on all four sides. For example, if it were used as an anglers&#39; shelter, it could be connected strategically along a reef or sand bar, around a drop-off, or it might merely be arranged so that the anglers can play a game of cards. A camper may want to displace only one wall and add a screen for greater ventilation. A utility worker may want to connect two units together for space. Also, the utility worker may want to move equipment inside of the shelter; in this case one wall would be displaced. A hunter may want to displace one wall and connect a material that is easily shot through the opening. The flexible covering also has a window to permit light to get inside, but it also has a shutter and a weather flap at the base to prevent light from entering; this makes it easy for the angler to convert it into a dark house (shelter for spearing). The anchor system is adjustable so that it can secure the flexible covering to a given support system. This anchoring system&#39;s connection as well as the ends of the heavy duty zipper are reinforced to prevent tears during harsh conditions. Overall, this shell is extremely universal to various fields, adaptable to the

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] “This application claims the benefit of Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. [60/252,981] filed [Nov. 24, 2000].”

BACKGROUND

[0002] 1. Field of Invention

[0003] This invention relates to portable shelters; specifically to animproved modular shell designed to permit two or more shelters to beconnected and wall(s) to be displaced.

[0004] 2. Description of Prior Art

[0005] Portable shelters are used in a number of different fields:fishing, hunting, camping, and construction. The proposed invention willwork in all of these plus other applicable fields. During our search, wecould only find one other design that mentions any connective feature:U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,057. However, even this design is extremely limited.First, the connection does not free up the entire wall to beassimilated. Secondly, it does not permit a modular characteristic; itcan only attach to one other unit and only on one side. Thirdly, it isrestricted to a specific base and pole design. Fourth, its emphasisappears to be on keeping the wind from reaching the angler's fishinghole: “What is needed is a compact, light-weight, easily transportablefishing shelter which does not interfere with the sheltered angler's rodand line. Furthermore, an easily transportable shelter is needed whichmay accommodate multiple anglers.” Their invention specifies “fishing”and is mostly concerned with fishing space.

[0006] What is needed is a connective/removable wall characteristic sothat other like units can be attached, or so other surfaces can beattached to the existing walls. This will be made clear in theadvantages section.

SUMMARY INCLUDING OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

[0007] A temporary shelter's shell with displaceable/connectable wallspermits the user to use the shelter in a number of different areas ofinterest: fishing, hunting, camping, construction. Basically, the wallscan be displaced and either left open, fit with a chosen material, orconnected to another like shelter. This permits the user to adapt theshelter to a chosen condition. For example, if two people want to gohiking, fishing, working, hunting together, then they can double,triple, or make the temporary shelter as large and in any chosenconfiguration. The reasons for doing so are extensive. Below is a listof some possibilities:

[0008] (a) Surround a sand bar, fishing hole, ledge, drop-off.

[0009] (b) Throw an indoor concert in a challenging location like on topof a mountain or on a lake.

[0010] (c) Any social event requiring more sheltered space but isdifficult to get to.

[0011] (d) Construction worker needs more space to work.

[0012] (e) Construction worker needs to move machinery in and out ofshelter.

[0013] (f) User needs ventilation on a hot day, adds screen to adisplaced wall.

[0014] (g) User has an emergency and needs to vacate fast.

[0015] (h) Hunter wants to use as a stand, and wants to be able to shootthrough the material as is already being done for turkey hunters and bowhunters. Also, the shell has been given other characteristics such as aweather flap at the base, a shutter on a window, and a mesh pocket.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

[0016] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the invention arethat the proposed covering permits various functions that make itextremely universal in various fields. Each feature will reveal thebenefits in the following fields: fishing/spearing, hunting, camping,construction work.

[0017] The weather flap (30) prevents wind from moving into the shelterto ensure warmth for the user. The weather flap repels water and directsit away from the inside of the shelter. The weather flap becomes abarrier, protecting the flexible covering from becoming a “wick”. Uponrolling up a wall, the weather flap permits the user to “tightly” rollthe flap up. While using the flexible covering for spearing, the weatherflap prevents light from entering into the shelter which is necessaryfor the angler's visibility for spearing activities.

[0018] The reinforcement strip's (38) basic function is to strengthenthe anchor system. This reinforcement strip prevents the flexiblecovering from being damaged during adverse weather conditions. Withoutthe strip, the anchors would tear the flexible covering. The purpose ofa temporary shelter is to keep the user from being exposed to harsh ornon-pleasurable conditions. Basically, the reinforcement strip makesthis possible even during the harshest conditions because the shellbecomes more durable.

[0019] The tail fastener (24) allows adjacent walls to be connected inany configuration. Presently, it is either a hook or loop system, but itcould be a snap, zipper, or other type of fastening mechanism and/or acombination thereof. The tail fastener makes it possible to eliminatedoors altogether. Without the tail fastener, connection to any wallwould require additional connective material. For example, all of thesides would require a hook and loop. The tail fastener makes it possibleto connect other material to the flexible covering. Following are someexamples. A screen might be the desired material on a hot day whilecamping. While hunting, there is a material that is made to shootthrough it; this could be attached to save on cost. In construction, thewall might need to be removed to bring in equipment. Furthermore, theequipment might require more space. There be a need to add on modulesuntil the right dimension is needed. For safety reasons, regardless ofhunting, fishing, construction, or camping, access in and out is on allsides.

[0020] The wall fastener (22) is attached to the walls and connects tothe tail fastener. Using the hook and loop system, it easily disconnectsand connects. Also, it prevents wind and light from entering thechamber.

[0021] The square fastener (20) allows a detached wall to be secured atthe top of the shell. This is very time saving. One only needs to flipthe material over the top and press the hook into the loop. It preventsthe side from being lost or damaged keeping it out of the way of theuser.

[0022] The window (34) helps light inside when the user needs morelight. However, if the user does not want light, a shutter with a hookand loop system can be placed and secured to prevent light fromentering.

[0023] Anchor straps (36,38) also utilizing the hook and loop system areplaced so that the covering is adjustable. This prevents a “whipping”effect and permits the material from ripping during windy conditions.The anchoring system can make up differences in material/frameworklength because it can be adjusted. There are other systems that wouldwork as well. For example, a pull chord that tightens when pulled butcan be loosed by pushing a button would work as well. However, the hookand loop system is cost effective and universal throughout the wholeflexible covering.

[0024] The double zipper allows the door to be opened for entry, and itcan be used as a ventilation system for the user.

[0025] A mesh pocket has been added to the covering for storage ofvarious items to easily access.

[0026] All materials compounded makes this product lightweight, easilytransportable, and space efficient. Regardless of activity, beinglightweight is always considered: this patent makes it pliable todiversify in all fields, yet take advantage of all the aspects ofconnectability/displaceability. Being modular, it can be transportable,yet yield a huge volume. Space efficiency once again lends itself to themodular design of the encompassing patent: individual hikers; variousadditions needed in construction; social aspects of connecting,disconnecting, and association of peoples, and non-restrictive materials(flexible covering) but unique design. So, any space requirement can besolved via the connectivity feature.

[0027] Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from aconsideration of the ensuing description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of two shelters' shells partiallyconnected

[0029]FIG. 2 is a plan view of the shell with all corners detachedshowing inside of shell.

[0030]FIG. 3 is a plan view of the shell anchors, strength strip, andweather strip.

[0031]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of two units partially connected andone displaced.

[0032]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one way to anchor walls whendisplaced.

[0033]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of nine units connected at variouswalls and a single unit.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0034]20 Square fastener

[0035]22 Wall Fastener

[0036]24 Tail Fastener

[0037]26 Roll Connection

[0038]28 Square Reinforcement

[0039]30 Weather Flap

[0040]32 Zipper

[0041]34 Window

[0042]36 Anchor Strap (Hook)

[0043]38 Reinforcement Strip

[0044]40 Anchor Strap (Loop)

[0045]42FIG. 3

[0046]44 Loop Strip for Window Shutter

[0047]46 Hook Strip for Window Shutter

[0048]48 Window Shutter

[0049]50 Mesh Pocket

[0050]52 Seam for top of side

[0051]54FIG. 5

[0052]56 Displaced Single Wall

[0053]58 Flexible Covering

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT—DESCRIPTION

[0054]FIG. 2 is a plan view of the shell with all comers detachedshowing inside of shell. The basic materials needed to construct thisproduct are a flexible covering (58). The flexible covering may changedepending upon the use. For example, for ice-fishing and spearing thematerial ought to be fire-retardant, dark, wind resistant, and waterresistant like Titan 60 Black. The most integral material is a hook andloop type duo-system: hook and loop material (20, 22, 24, 36, 40, 44,46). There are a number of different places that ought to be reinforcedwith a chosen reinforcement material (28, 38). There are several windowsoptions on the market: window (34). The material used on the bottomought to be a flexible material that repels water and is of a durablenature(30). Finally, the builder will need a double zipper (32).

[0055] To fully utilize the modular system, all four sides ought to bethe same dimensions and similar in design. In FIG. 2 all four sides arestitched to the top (52). The seamstress may want to run two of thesides through and then attach the other two sides, but in either case,it may be wise to stitch in reinforcement at these intersections (52).On the sides of all of the walls, either a hook or loop needs to bestitched in (22): one inch wide material is suitable and can bepurchased at the same price as three-quarter. However, if cost becomesan issue this can be cut merely by using narrower material. Next, stitchthe opposite material from the walls in at the corners (24). If hook wasstitched into the walls then stitch loop into the corners. These TailFasteners (24) ought to be twice as wide as the wall fastener (22), sothat it can connect two edges together. On the bottom of the canvas, adurable weather-resistant material ought to be stitched (30).

[0056] In FIG. 1, while in an upright position, the weather-resistantmaterial ought to run vertically up the walls for at least six inchesand out horizontally along the ground for another six inches (30). InFIG. 2, either above the weather flap (30) or within the weather flap, areinforcement strip ought to be stitched (38). In FIG. 3, it is stitchedabove the weather flap. In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, two anchor straps arestitched into the reinforcement strip (36,40). In FIG. 3, the twopieces, one being hook (36), the other being loop (40), need to bestitched into the fabric. These need to be stitched into the same area.In FIG. 2, there is a mesh pocket (50) sewn into the flexible covering.In FIG. 2, there is a window (34) sewn into the flexible covering. Onthe edges of the window is either a hook or a loop material sewn alongthe sides and top (44). Connected to the bottom is another piece ofmaterial, either hook or loop sewn in. This piece of material is sewn inat the bottom, it can be the same material as the base, but it ought tobe opaque. Along its edges is the opposite attaching material sewn intoit (46). Once again, as long as the edge of the window shutter (48) havehook, then the edges of the window (44) need to be loop and vice versa.

[0057] In FIG. 1 there is a double zipper sewn into one of the sides(32). At either end of the travel for the zipper is a reinforcementsquare (28). In FIG. 1, in all four corners are strips of loop or hook.If the walls (22) have hook, then sew into the shell a loop (20) andvice versa.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT—OPERATION

[0058] To use as a windbreak, displace wall edges (22) free from thetail fastener (24) and secure as shown in FIG. 4.

[0059] To attach a material for other purposes. Simply stitch either ahook or loop into the chosen material (same as 22) and attach to thetail fastener (24).

[0060] To attach two like shelters together, displace wall free fromboth shelters. On one of the units, permit one of the tail fasteners toremain in place. As shown in FIG. 1, move both together and attach thewalls of both shelters to the same tail fastener. The walls can eitherbe thrown over the top of one of the houses with the upper wall attachedto the opposite end (20), or they may be rolled up together as shown inFIG. 1 and FIG. 5 (26).

[0061] In FIG. 6, nine shelters are connected together to show thatthese can connect on any side without any limitation due to the makeupof the shell.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

[0062] Accordingly, it can be seen that this universal and modular shellfor a temporary shelter can easily and quickly connect with another liketemporary shelter. Also, it can be seen that displacing a wall can haveequal or greater value in certain conditions. All of which provides amyriad of opportunities and benefits in doing so, whether it is whilecamping, hunting, fishing, or working in a construction environment. Theproposed invention contains a universal function that is not restrictedby a base or supporting pole system. Instead, the concentration has beenon permitting many opportunities for the user: adding one or more likeshelters for more space, adding different walls such as screens ormaterial for sportsmen to shoot an arrow or bullet through, adding ascreen for more ventilation, or merely leaving up to provide the mostventilation and visibility as used in a wind breaker. Many of the othercomponents add to this unique design such as a window with a shutter, anadjustable anchor system, and the weather flap to add to its durabilityagainst the elements of the environment.

[0063] Although the description above contains many specificities, theseshould not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but asmerely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferredembodiments of this invention. Various other embodiments andramifications are possible within its scope. For example, allaccessories are not dependant upon a wall: windows can go anywhere:doors may become obsolete or be placed anywhere, zippers may end upvarious places, anchors may anchor at various lengths or in variousplaces.

[0064] Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by theappended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examplesgiven.

What is claimed is:
 1. A temporary shelter's shell withdisplaceable/connectable wall (s), comprising: (a) Providing at leastone wall has at least two edges with a means for connecting, (b)Providing an adjacent wall has at least one edge with the same saidmeans for connecting said edge(s), (c) Providing another adjacent wallhas at least one edge with same said means for connecting said edge(s),(d) Providing a means for connecting said adjacent walls together, (e)Providing said means for connecting said adjacent walls together willconnect at variable angle(s), (f) Providing said means for connectingtwo said walls together can displace or connect said wall, Whereby atemporary shelter has displaceable/connectable wall(s). A method ofconnecting two or more temporary shelter's shells together, comprisingthe steps of: (a) Providing a shelter with at least one wall has atleast two edges with a means for connecting, (b) Providing two wallsthat are adjacent to said wall have at least one edge with the same saidmeans for connecting, (c) Providing a means for connecting two adjacentwalls together, (d) Providing said means for connecting two said wallstogether can be displaced or remain connected, (e) Providing anothershelter has the same said features as the said shelter, (f) Displacing asaid wall on both said shelters, (g) Providing two said shelters areplaced adjacent to one another, (h) Connecting said walls on said edgesby connecting with said means, Whereby said two separate shelters becomeconnected together to form one.